How Much Does it COST to Keep Goats?? Cost Breakdown and Comparisons

The biggest question and concern when it comes to home dairy is: is it worth it? I can tell you it definitely is, but you need to plan and manage things well. It doesn't take a lot of effort, just a little planning ahead!
#homesteading #dairygoats #farmlife #goats #homestead #nigeriandwarf
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[@SageandStoneHomestead]

HAY CALCULATOR: alifeofheritage.com/farm-living/hay-cost-calculator-for-goats/

[@jer6162]

Reason goats milk is so much higher than cows milk is economics 101 supply and demand. Love your videos keep up the great job.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

@@jer6162 yes I'm sure that's a major factor!

[@MormonAll]

Young Lady, I have had goats for nearly 60 years of my 75 years. You have taught me today. I just bought my first Nigerian Dwarfs, I really enjoy them. THANK YOU.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

CONGRATULATIONS!! Nigerians are the best!

[@defendingthestrawman7103]

4:36 It is also a demand and supply thing. People who want goat milk often have allergies to cow milk, or they want it for some other health reason. That allows for charging a premium price. There are more people who keep cows, particularly at scale, which allows for lower production costs, but the increased competition also means lower "out of the gate" prices. There also tends to be more bargaining power by large buyers for cow milk, which drives down the price paid to the farmer. Goat milk tends to be sold in more cottage industries, so that allows for a higher price.

[@akatsukiawsome13]

Goat milk is used as a breast milk replacer for humans

[@UdderGold]

As a beginner homesteader I have been watching your videos and learning so much! Thank you!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

You bet! Thanks for watching!

[@merryanneadair4451]

EXCELLENT video! VERY thorough! You are a great manager! The only thing you didn't mention was their 'non monetary' value! The companionship & entertainment... 'emotional' value I receive from my goats is huge! As well as knowing where my milk & dairy products is coming from & what's gone into it!! I think only those persons who have, or have had, dairy goats can fully appreciate what a blessing they are! 🙂 🐐 God bless!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

You're totally right!! I find with a lot of people, especially men, the money part needs to make sense first, so that's why I really just focused on that! Peace of mind about where your food comes from is HUGE, and the emotional support is also invaluable. I just love them because they make sense all around!

[@merryanneadair4451]

@@SageandStoneHomestead absolutely!!

[@dirtroaddestiny]

They are so worth it. I’m glad we chose goats. Life changing animals ❤

[@Ang85323]

Priceless ❤

[@tuvoca825]

Plus... this video gets to the point quickly. Thank you! ❤

[@libraryofpangea7018]

@4:45 Bovine dairy is heavily subsidized by the government in order to regulate price. While goat, as far as I am aware, is not. Or atleast not to the same degree. Likewise dairy cows are farmed at a much greater rate than dairy goats,. lowering cost through scale of production. That is why Bovid milk is so much cheaper at the grocery store.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Very interesting!! Thank you! Makes a lot of sense.

[@juntakfoods]

We spend US$5 per year for each goat (out-of-pocket costs)-the only out-of-pocket costs are for anti-deworming pills, Ivermectin, and Fipronil. All other costs are negligible for us. For most farmers, the most expensive cost is goat feed -- if you can ELIMINATE that cost, then you can easily lower your overall costs.

[@cindyboard7816]

Very interesting breakdown of the cost vs. profit. Having access to milk and knowing where it came from as well as how it was handled is another big plus to the equation. Now that would be hard to put a dollar amount on but in all it would be priceless!!!! Thanks for sharing and stay safe!!!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

There's so much in that regard where the value is relative but I definitely agree that peace of mind and companionship has LOADS of value!! They are just amazing all around!!

[@ashleyhowle6715]

There is such a sense of fulfillment that comes with raising what you consume. You fully know and feel the weight of it. I love the responsibility and the challenge of homesteading. You learn a lot about yourself. I've learned a lot about my children as well, and it makes me so happy to see them build their character this way. Those benefits are what I keep in mind when I spend a little more than what I can spend buying the store bought alternatives. Or when I impulse buy treats for my chickens and my husband says they have their beaks in my wallet 🤣

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

haha beaks in your wallet for eggs in your belly!! It's a good tradeoff

[@elainehinton2860]

I probably feed too much grain too … but they say they need it. Lol. We aren’t milking yet. It’s not quite time, but we’re getting close. I’ve been trying to get a system set up that has all the different spaces. I built a milk stanchion from a pallet and scrap wood, working on stalls for separation, and this is their first freshening so we have lots of handling work to get through. They’re new to this and so am I, but we will get there! I appreciate your videos. Have a wonderful day!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Because we milk once a day and nobody has kids on them I'm feeding a half pound of grain to my Nigerians which is still "too much" we are not out of winter yet and so that plays a role for me. But when our spring kidders do give birth I'll have to remember that for half the day their kids are getting a lot of milk so I need to feed them according to what I'm milking x2 so they can get enough to feed the kids and us!

[@elainehinton2860]

@@SageandStoneHomestead good to know! I figure if my mommas are asking for it (and they’re aren’t looking fat), I’ll give them what they want. I also assume that a quiet herd during the day, in between feedings of grain with hay available, means they are content.

[@YAHsdaughter7]

This is a great video especially for people trying to wrigh out the benefits of keeping goats ! Thank you so much !!! You are a real gem !!!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

You are so sweet, thank you SO much!! ♥

[@kmossuto]

You are exploding! I want to say that I have been a member, and a subscriber for a very long time. I used to be one of those people. Meaning, I would go to the store, buy my T-bone, and then cry when I saw a poor little cow die from butchering. It saddens me, yet at the same time I am now so more understanding regarding the love, respect, attention, etc and I would rather purchase 10,000 pounds of your meat than what I am unfortunately purchasing at our nearest butcher. Keep doing you, keep feeding your family, keep loving those beautiful animals that provide nutrition for you and your family and I will support you until the end of days!! Don’t let anyone tell you that you are a bad person, you and your family are one of the best I’ve seen and that’s why I continue to support you! Lastly I would like to say that I’m sorry that certain individuals are not able or more likely willing to see what life you are attempting and accomplishing with your family. You’re succeeding and they’re complaining. Thank you for sharing your awesome lives with us! (Sorry it was so long winded)

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Thank you so much Kathy! Your support has meant so much to our family..❤️❤️

[@laceyah1]

8

[@pygmy-goats-kevin]

GREAT VIDEO VERY EDUCATIONAL 👍

[@SamuelField-k3l]

Thank you 😁

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

You bet, thanks for watching!!

[@5d512]

I have two weathered male goats I took from a couple moving . It makes no sense financially or time wise. And I don't know how I ever got by without them. ❤

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

I'm so glad you found some companions that you love! Hard to put a price on that :)

[@5d512]

@@SageandStoneHomestead Thank you! I'm glad you enjoy yours too. : )

[@debbiesuggitt2456]

pleasure to watch and you are very articulate and provide support to your opinions

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Thanks so much !♡♡♡

[@nolliesteers3083]

Good morning Heather. Very interesting. I wish I could have a couple of goats and a few chickens but it's impossible where I live. But, anyway you have some and I can watch them on my tablet. Lol. Have a wonderful day

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Morning Nollie!! I'm so glad we can take you to the farm with us!!

[@redlanternhomesteadcathym105]

Outstanding job! I'll be keeping this one for future use!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Awesome, yay!! And thank you

[@dianagallagher3891]

I love your channel you always impress me on how much knowledge you have. I love that you explain things to us ❤️

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Thanks so much !!! ♡♡♡

[@TheOldSwedesFarm]

That is really interesting. You did a great job of breaking down the costs and values. Having milk available to you (and knowing where it came from) is a huge plus! Thanks for sharing this Heather!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Yes peace of mind in that regard is invaluable!

[@mandyg888]

This video is AMAZING! Wow. This is a great break down and boy all the calculations 😂. Great job!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Thanks Mandy!!

[@marysidle5132]

OH MY GOODNESS! What a wonderful video!! Goats are in my plan for my home, you are an absolute wealth of information and your delivery is perfect! I am so glad I found your channel. I subscribed and cant wait to view all the previous ones! Thank you and GOD bless

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Thank you so much!!! I am so excited you are going to get goats! They are such a complete joy. I'm so glad you found us!!

[@nolliesteers3083]

Wow girl. I thought your videos were great already but you are an excellent creator. You are very knowledgeable and the background you used was just as excellent. Loved it. ❤❤❤

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Awe! Thanks Nollie!! ♥

[@karenhaffermehl3687]

Enjoyed this video and the cost breakdown was very educational!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Thanks!!

[@jennyburkey3650]

Excellent information. Enjoyed the video!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Thanks so much!!♡♡

[@winsomewife7112]

Growing potatoes IS SO EASY you really should plant some. We've grown a large patch of several varieties for several years and always well I'm sure. My first year I planted them in plastic shoeboxes in a tiny walk in greenhouse up on hay bales. It was the old 8x10 wood frame portable pastured laying chicken pen that we covered in cheap painter's plastic to use for a few months as my first greenhouse. Red Pontiac grows well, Yukon gold, and for russet.... Canela Russet grew the best, abundant and large.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

I have an easy time growing things that some people find challenging (tomatoes, peppers, some varieties of squash) and I have a hard time growing things some people find easy, like potatoes! They just don't get big or get eaten by rodents while underground :) They have not been worth the space for us especially because we can get them cheaply when wanted. :)

[@lunanm7198]

What an amazing video. Thank you for putting in the time and effort to share your experience and knowlegde!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Thank you so much!!

[@hickoryhillinthebigwoods-r759]

What a fabulous calculation! Thanks for going through this. I never really thought about what cost goes into my girls and what I get out of them. I just love having them. We buy round bales, and they all dig in and probably eat it in a month. Grain is only on the milk stand and they get what they eat while I milk. Obviously I can milk some faster than others, and some girls are picky while others inhale their grain.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

I've wanted to do round bales but I've been worried about mold in them!

[@hickoryhillinthebigwoods-r759]

@Sage and Stone Homestead We use cattle panels to hold them together, but cover with a lumber built cover. We have had really good hay and the goats love it. Last year we bought hay that had not been in the pasture long. It is great hay!

[@6gredlite907]

I learned a lot. I want to start my own goat farm.

[@splashluvallover]

I love how thorough your video is! Great information! But I had to laugh when you said 1 gallon of milk per week for the average family. There are 6 in my family (myself, my husband, and 4 kids under 10) and we go through 5-6 gallons of milk each week. But again, great video!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

WOAH, I mean we have 6 in our family too, 4 kids under 11 so really close. If I count what we make with our milk we go through about the same as you, a little less lately but the girls brought in 16 gallons a week this past spring and we definitely made stuff every week :)

[@TheHeavenlyHomestead]

Those are awesome numbers! Thanks for sharing ❤

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

I'm an enabler, what can I say? LOL

[@TheHeavenlyHomestead]

@@SageandStoneHomestead ❤️❤️

[@VaLissha2356]

Yea those numbers rock! I had 2 milking does and I know my numbers were never like that! I don't have a grazing pasture either so that digs into the pockets.

[@dirtroaddestiny]

Great video. I’m only keeping a few does and buck with a wether for him as a companion. Very small scale but these does are previously bred and unrelated meaning the buck can be bred back to mamas and those babies. Soo excited to learn from you. And once I get some registered live stock (in the future) maybe we can trade goats one day as we love Nigerians ❤ blessings

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

That would be so fun and a great way to achieve genetic diversity!! When we have to rehome Havoc I'll cry lol

[@MShep73]

Glad to see another Western kentuckian. We are planning on getting goats soon.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Exciting!!

[@homeschool2homestead305]

Love this video! And thanks for linking this in your newest video! I hadn't seen it yet!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

You are so welcome! Some videos get lost and I like to pull them out and dust them off from time to time, haha ❤️❤️

[@stonesoupsubstitutions6946]

The milk is so incredibly superior to anything at a store. Even low temp pasteurized milk tastes bad after being used to raw milk.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Agreed!!

[@leeaal7306]

Not to mention that lactose intolerant people can drink goat milk.

[@Superior.scenicmoods]

What resources should I look into to learn husbandry? Extension groups? Ag groups? Thank you for your great videos

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

I use youtube, it also helps to have a local mentor usually through word of mouth or buying animals. :)

[@tha3immortals]

What an insightful video. Thanks so much for this!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jeffreyhill5539]

The fact you found hay for $5 a bale is impressive. We’re paying $9 from the field.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

It's because we have a very close friend who exclusively sells hay to us. Connections and community is key!♡♡♡

[@offgridDAVID]

Great video thanks alot 👍

[@codyives5409]

The past year I had considered beekeeping and honey harvesting, but I really am considering goats (maybe Nubian or Nigerian). 😅🙏🏻

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Do it!! I love goats. And bees for that matter haha

[@mrs.optimistic2313]

I was just having this conversation with my husband!! 😂😂😂 What a great and informative video! Amazing job presenting such important info!!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Thanks so much!! My hope is that this video helps more couples have this conversation!

[@sheilawixon3858]

Very informative

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Glad it was helpful!

[@akatsukiawsome13]

Oberhasli give an average of a gallon a day, on a production diet…. 1/2 gallon capacity (older does more….) 2x a day you can expect it from even a first freshener… Poor attachment in some purebred lines, but EXCELLENT milk, taste is much less goaty. You can feed a family on an acre of grass… I’d say the less than a bale a day cost for a family is worth it, even if you only use the milk… the $5 bale of hay isn’t seen during the summer, only the winter…. I fed 5 does 4 flakes in the evening in the winter, (plus daytime hay feeder and winter foraging) less in the summer… Oberhasli are a rarer breed, worth $400+… Goats produce more milk per acre than cows, you can stock 10 per acre vs only one, and they produce a gallon each (not 8). You can also transport goats more easily than cows, which in my opinion makes them a better option for a family pet/milk provider. You can move a goat in a large dog crate inside the trunk of an suv or minivan, in the back of a pickup, etc… You can even stall them in a household garage with very little/no fuss, as their manure is less offensive than cows… just some panels, rubber stall mat, and bedding…

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

10 per acre is too much stocking density if the pasture isn’t the most ideal or rotated. We stock at half that which is 5 per acre and we do have one mini ober. I wish more thought was put into the breeding of well attached udders because longevity matters a lot and it’s hard to get that with poor attachments. It’s kind to the animals to thank them for their high capacity by breeding them with attachments better able to handle the weight. We are working on that with the ober we have.

[@trainingolives3370]

Such wonderful information! We are very much hoping to get goats soon and this helps tremendously. Could you tell me how long a Nigerian Dwarf typically stays in milk?

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

This is largely dependent on genetics with any breed. A good goat will milk well for 300 days. An excellent goat can milk steadily for years in an extended lactation! :)

[@colindadavishedges7029]

Videos are well done. 😁

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Thanks! 😃

[@kidvinie6491]

Goats here in Thailand are bringing $10 each (alive) but I bet to buy grains actually costs more than in the US and there isn't many things that I can say that about. Butter and cheese costs a lot here and for that reason I want a few goats

[@jenniferr2057]

Dang, girl! Thank you!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

You're so welcome!!♡♡

[@rechellmullen6340]

Yeah! We love our dairy queen's

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Dairy Queens LOL!! So accurate!

[@tracyg4783]

Goats are in our future. I really want to start making cheese and soap

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

So exciting!!!

[@horseblinderson4747]

If you have a homestead you should keep at least one medium milk animal. In my house my youngest teenage son is up to about 2 1/2 gallons of milk a week this economy that's $14 where I'm at for the cheap stuff. Me I could always use some high octane for my coffee, but I really love cheese which you kinda need raw milk for most cheeses anyway. I'm figuring keeping 2 volume goats and two creamy sheep would keep us in enough dairy + either soap or roll it into pig feed you should if not ferment pig feed at least wet it out so it's no all dusty and has better conversion and uptake and the way pigs grow quick they could always use the extra fat, protein and calories.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Many cheeses do not need raw milk you just need to add a very small amount of calcium chloride

[@horseblinderson4747]

I heard you can do Mozzarella and queso easy enough I might have to try some time. But still pasteurization tends to degrade it either way.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

@@horseblinderson4747 right we use raw milk all the time but cheese making dot com has loads of recipes that can be used with pasteurized milk . Everything has cultures added.

[@randallshuck2976]

If you have 4 acres of neglected and overgrown pasture and 5 children with an allergy to cow's milk the cost is acceptable. The full size Nubians I kept for 20 years earned their keep in milk, meat and brush control.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Yes allergies make things all the more important to source well!

[@GWPHomestead]

Haven’t even watched the video yet. Yes they’re a money pit, yes they’re worth it!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

LOL But they are not! At least not in our experience LOL

[@cindyboard7816]

😂

[@GWPHomestead]

I love your breakdown of the numbers. We haven’t sold many goats, and we haven’t made any money off things like goat milk soap or lotion, so at this moment in time our experience is different than yours. That will change as we go on!

[@tammykaltreider]

Great content! This is why I love your channel ♥️ happy Valentine’s Day

[@merryanneadair4451]

Totally worth it!! 😊

[@saggoonoojayraj6503]

Very Nice

[@jacquekay7296]

Hello my question is if you don't have a homestead but you would like to buy a goat or calves are there farmers who rent space for other farmers or wannabe farmers for a price?

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

I am not sure! That would be amazing if so!! I know horse stables have boarding and things I wonder if it's the same for other livestock?

[@jacquekay7296]

@SageandStoneHomestead thank you anyway for responding

[@rachelbutler790]

Do you think you could estimate the startup cost for getting a goat up front? I would like to get a family goat so I'm starting to do research. Like, what's the up front cost of the stable and fence and other stuff?

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

It depends a lot on how you do things and what you want, and what you already have. It's super variable. We started with a horse barn and corral and chainlink fence already on the property.

[@lilycardoso4679]

Great information, but i have a question about how time consuming are they? What if you want to go on vacation for a few days? Right now i only have chickens. Are there different size hay bales? My neighbor sells his for $20 a bale here in California.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Yes there are different size bales! The hay we buy is the 50lb square bales. If you have a goat in milk it's not easy to go on vacation without a farm sitter. If you had babies on moms then it would be easier but you'd still want someone checking in at least once a day, they can get in some precarious positions and if a goat is going to get sick and go down it happens fast.

[@EdreesAloma]

Wow this is great😊

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Thanks!!

[@Mansahx]

Thanks for the info….How strong is the goat milk market in Kentucky? I have Nubian goats for dairy. Is 20$ a gallon the normal or going rate for goat milk? Thx

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Goats are mostly used for meat here but $20 is the going rate for the milk per gallon 100%!

[@GWPHomestead]

Eden is giving us 2 cups of milk per day right now! [Placeholder comment until Megan texts me how much milk Eden is giving us]

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

LOL (At the placeholder Comment)

[@GWPHomestead]

I’m not seeing the link to the hay calculator. Am I blind?

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

NOPE you're not blind. Hold please!!

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

alifeofheritage.com/farm-living/hay-cost-calculator-for-goats/

[@kaleadreamaremylife6565]

I’ve never seen goats with no external ears before. What type of goats are they, and do they hear the same as other types of goats? Sorry if that’s a stupid question …

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

That's not a stupid question at all! They are called LaManchas and they have a little ring of skin around their ear hole and can hear great!

[@meredithr9824]

Omg i love goats😊

[@YAHsdaughter7]

When do you deworm your goats ? Some being pregnant and nursing ?

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Whenever they need it. I don't worm on a schedule and usually off-looking poop is my sign. I have different dewormers for different stages. A few I have are not good in pregnancy while others are fine, and some have a smaller withdrawal time as far as milk goes. But the goats can nurse their babies fine after being wormed.

[@farmhouseontherock]

I don’t understand the ear thing. Is that a specific breed or did you do something to their ears

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

That's their breed! They are born that way, they are LaMancha goats! ♥️🐐

[@farmhouseontherock]

Thank you for the info. ❤

[@streetpunk99]

Good informative video but wouldn't the cost of the buck you breed with need to be figured into the return of the kids? Correct me if im wrong but the buck essentially consumes unless they're reporducing. Much like a rooster.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Eventually they are sold or put in the freezer to recoup some of their costs but you're right. The buck keep should come out of the kid sales while they are actively consuming resources.

[@GlacialRidgeHomestead]

I paid too dollar for my goats in 2020. But baby goats are not selling where I am the last couple years.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

It's getting harder to sell them here too. Are you opposed to eating the extra kids? Goat meat is very good. A Lot of people will also put their girls on extended lactation to have fewer kiddings. Lots of goats will keep up a good production for quite a while!

[@kristyjful]

I am thinking about getting some goats for milk. I know you recommend the Nigerian Dwarf or Lamanchas for efficient milk goats. I'm looking for local sources of quality breeders but not having luck with either of these breeds. I know this is a long shot, but would you have any connections in your network of breeders in the Toronto, Canada area? I was also wondering how much space of pasture you recommend per goat?

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

I have no idea about breeders up that way, I'm so sorry!!

[@kristyjful]

@Sage and Stone Homestead no problem, I knew it was a long shot. Thanks for doing what you do. I'm learning so much and feel capable of starting out rabbits and goats thanks to your videos. 😊

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

That makes me so happy to hear!! ♥♥ I really appreciate you being here!

[@assurancepolygraphllc]

How do you buy a registered goat.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

You can find them all over, I got a lot of mine from Craigslist ads and through word of mouth from those contacts. Facebook too. You can find breeders in your area. The goats come with registration paperwork and tattoos that match the papers

[@ItsLizzy_Star_crochet]

do you also pay for vet for your goats?

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

I think it was addressed here but it’s rare we need a vet. I think the last time a goat needed a vet was almost 2 years ago and it was an emergency with a lot of things required like ultrasound and it was less than $250. Many livestock owners vet their animals themselves for routine things. We even treat broken legs here.

[@ItsLizzy_Star_crochet]

@@SageandStoneHomestead Thank you for the answer, I thought that when you become a livestock farmer you always need a vet

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

No some areas have no vet available which is the situation we have here. No vet will make a farm call to our area so we have to do much of it ourselves and if one needs the vet we have to drive it decently far away. I've had situations though where that was not possible. Many farmers do a lot themselves and the supplies to do a lot of things are at the farm store to include common vaccines and dewormers and things.

[@Hankyjane]

Goats, chickens and cows fend mostly for themselves in rural Mexico. They are kinda skinny but healthy looking. We are brainwashed into spending and spending.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

I'm sure the wild goats are strong as a result of the weak dying off. The wild/nature is not kind, but it can result in some very sturdy animals.

[@vj5183]

Yes.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

They don't have to be! :)

[@ericamundson4700]

The milk bought at the supermarket is not the same level of quality as on a small farm. It is inferior. So we should expect to pay more for small farm milk because are getting more nutrition and more quality.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Yes you are absolutely right! ♥

[@igorgulyaev1956]

Get Saanen, gives lots of milk. One Saanen will give you 1.5gallon plus per day. So worth it...

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

We have tried the milk and sometimes quantity doesn't trump Quality. We are big on butter and cheese and find that Saanen milk is pretty thin.

[@stefcomt9251]

what about your time? your time is also a cost, but if you love it - you love it

[@anotherarmchairhistorian2831]

I have a very small herd and the day to day isn't very time consuming. We have goats, chickens, ducks, turkeys and i spend on average 30 to 45 minutes a day feeding, milking and caring for them. Now it's a great trade off considering they keep the weeds and grasses down. They do a wonderful job keeping poison ivy and the kudzu at bay.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Right even if I paid myself what I was paid when I worked outside the farm it would be worth it. I have talked a lot about numbers but it’s important to understand there’s more to value than money. Peace of mind and companionship is huge in this respect and you can’t put a price on those.

[@YAHsdaughter7]

The cost of goat milk is higher also because it's closer to human milk so it's more easily digested over cows milk .

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

I've heard that! ♥

[@jennizona]

And not to mention all the other dairy products you can make

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Right!!♡♡

[@randywiley66]

😊

[@learning2no]

Heather, when I had to give up my two does 5 years ago alfalfa hit $40. a bale for the 50 pound bales. So I had to sell them. I can’t drink store milk, I called around to find raw goat milk and it was selling for $20. Per gallon. Now the price of alfalfa has dropped to $26. A bale so I was able to get more goats. We are paying $30. for a 70 pound bag of cob. I can only hope prices don’t go any higher.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Hugs! Where are you located?

[@learning2no]

@@SageandStoneHomestead we are in the Pacific Northwest. Right on the coast. Everything in the western states is considered a luxury or hobby. So we are charged as so. To me feeding my family is a necessity, but we are told it is not a necessity, to go to the market that We can get everything from the grocery store. Years ago I was following homesteaders in Michigan and one kept telling me her alfalfa was $5. A bale. I could only sit and cry. So anytime I can find someone who is showing a way to save on feed or anything else I watch with hope. I won’t endanger my goats health so I am very careful who I listen to. At 70 years old I can’t afford to mess up. Lol 😂 so I do care a love my girls. You are a blessing to have, learning from you is a joy.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

@learning2no thank you so much for contributing your experience to the conversation!! I pray hay prices stay reasonable near you!

[@bobbfourtytwo9724]

goats milk is so expensive which is why i was thinking of getting a goat when im older seeing as im lactose intolerant lol

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Many people find that they can tolerate goat's milk! Goats are such a joy

[@ECole-le7we]

You are leaving out some very important costs, e.g., your tine and labor in feeding, milking and butchering; as well as your 'veterinary' labor, shelter building and maintenance, etc. That time and labor likely has higher dollar value than the food inputs; and you need to include it when informing yourself and your viewers.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

In my specific case I also get enjoyment from my herd and being around them which is really hard to quantify. The genuine feelings of accomplishment and gratification of food grown and processed by my own hands is hard to beat. Not everyone would have this experience but this is definitely where " it's not all about the money" comes into play. But also... the time I spend on them daily with the aforementioned tasks could however be offset with the time I'm not mowing the 8 acres of grass/field they are on or managing fence rows... time I'm not spending amending the land for it's improvement. Time and money not spent at the gym to get the exercise my body needs... Time and money not spent on therapists.... There's a bunch that wasn't touched on that one could consider when deciding weather or not this is worth it. These things are important and I'm glad you brought that up!

[@ECole-le7we]

@@SageandStoneHomestead Makes very good sense. It's why I garden, and instead of selling my veggies or consuming all of them myself, I give a lot to neighbors. Yes, it is difficult to factor everything in when making a video. Perhaps you could capture it more in writing a book someday.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

@ECole-le7we I love that idea! I appreciate you!

[@NellieGirl]

The goats also keep our woods clear of brush. So we say we eat our bush hogs.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Yes!! Goats are really the best!

[@nabadoonka6649]

Where is their long ears 😳😳

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Not all goats have long ears! Some have the little nubbins from birth like the LaMancha do!♡

[@lilianapapp6731]

as far as I know, goats milk is naturally lactose free

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

I've heard that too, but I'm not sure! I do know it's all naturally A2 milk which is easier to digest. A2 refers to the protein and lactose is the type of sugar, I'll have to do more research on that!

[@CurioCreativeAgency]

What happened to their ears?? lol

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Haha nothing! They are born that way :)

[@colinlearns]

Cow milk is probably cheaper because cows have milking machines that make them easier to factory farm and scale up

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Oh goat dairies totally have machines too.

[@colinlearns]

@SageandStoneHomestead learn something every day, thanks

[@JoeSmith-sl9bq]

Goats are meant to live on forage, to be herded in nature. Usually by a person living in a tend with them. That’s how it’s been for thousands of years. Keeping them artificially Alive within a fenced inclosure will make them a money pit

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Hi did you watch the video?

[@learning2no]

Do you feed Alfalfa or just grass hay, along with grain?

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Alfalfa pellets are added to the grain if I can't get an alfalfa blend hay. our forage here is poor.

[@meaoude5392]

You absolutely sound like my ex-wife 😂 how much do I get How much is it worth How much can it give me How much can I save 😂😂😂😂. I love it ❤ 👍

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Thank you!!

[@meaoude5392]

@@SageandStoneHomestead welcome ❤️

[@azsunburns]

I've seen raw goat milk for sale here in southern az anywhere from 5 to 20 per half gallon I try to get 20 per gallon. Bottom line, cheaper than one week's Starbucks and far more nutritious. Hay is easily 15 and higher per bale.. Which stinks We purchase alfalfa pellets, half ton at as time. Less waste, worth it

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

I agree!! I haven't purchased alfalfa pellets in bulk because of storage issues. It would be good to offer cheap hay still along with the alfalfa pellets so they can ruminate and produce thiamine properly with the long-stem nature of hay. But yeah $15 a bale is rough. In winter we go through 1.5 bales a day

[@azsunburns]

@@SageandStoneHomestead we still pick up a bale of hay a month but we have approximately 100 mesquite, African Sumac, Pale Verde, ironwood trees, etc, so they get trimmings everyday too